We don't want Brexit and we don't want partition: MEP Anderson tells EU chiefs

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has told the heads of the European Institutions that the democratic right of the people of the North to remain in the EU must be respected.

During the debate Ms Anderson (pictured) directed her remarks directly Presidents Tusk and Juncker who were in the chamber, and also to President Schulz.

Speaking afterwards, she said: "I made it clear that a Brexit would damage the north of Ireland more than anywhere else and those who say otherwise are living in cloud cuckoo land.

"The people of the north of Ireland voted to remain in the EU and they demand their democratic right is respected.

"Brexit is not a done deal. It is still all to play for.

"The North’s economy has been impoverished by being shackled to Britain and Brexit has the potential to turn it into an economic basket case.”

Ms Anderson concluded: "Brexit is the cost of Partition. We don't want partition and don't want Brexit."